thus, it is established that this ḥadīth is not authentic, neither in its chain of transmission nor in its text. Consequently, it becomes clear that it is not permissible to use it as a pretext to refrain from acting upon the Book and the sunnah, which the imams have commanded. 2 - Others have said: If disagreement in religion is prohibited, then what do you say about the differences among the Companions and the imams after them? Is there a difference between their disagreements and those of later generations? The answer is: Yes, there is a significant difference between the two types of disagreement, which becomes evident in two aspects: the first is its cause, and the second is its effect. As for the disagreement among the Companions, it was due to necessity and their natural differences in understanding, not a deliberate choice to disagree. Additionally, there were other factors during their time that necessitated their differences, which later ceased. Such disagreement cannot be completely avoided, and those involved are not subject to the blame mentioned in the previous verses and their like, because the condition for accountability—intention or persistence—is not fulfilled. As for the disagreement among the imitators, they often have no excuse, as some of them may recognize the evidence from the Book and the sunnah that supports the other school of thought, which they do not usually follow, yet they abandon it for no reason other than that it contradicts their own school, as if the school..